Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Great Falls on February 2, 2009, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, JOSE JAVIER RUIZ-PELAYO, a 34-year-old resident of Othello, Washington, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sentencing is set for May 11, 2009. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by the United States, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

Between about March 18, 2008, and August 16, 2008, RUIZ-PELAYO was involved in a conspiracy with other individuals to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The total confirmed weight of methamphetamine delivered during the conspiracy was is in excess of fifty grams.

RUIZ-PELAYO faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and could be sentenced to 40 years, a $2,000,000 fine and 4 years supervised release.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kory Larsen prosecuted the case for the United States.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Central Montana Drug Task Force and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.

 

 

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